Olive tree named ‘Giulia’

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct  Olea europaea L.  olive tree variety named, ‘GIULIA’, particularly characterized by moderately weak plant vigor; average branch spread; greyed-green bark color (RHS 191A); dark green foliage color (upper side, RHS 193A; lower side, RHS 195C); yellow-green opened flower color (RHS 150D); greyed-green flower bud color (RHS 145C); grey-brown seed (endocarp) color (RHS 199D); dark violet fruit (RHS 83A); self-pollinating variety; adaptation for high altitude rooting (low temperature tolerance) and high density plantations; an early production stage with a medium time of ripening; full mechanical harvesting; and high productivity and high oil yield.

Latin name of the genus and species of the plant claimed: Olea europaea.

Variety denomination: ‘GIULIA’.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of olive tree, botanically known as Olea europaea L. of the Oleaceae family, and hereinafter referred to by the variety denomination ‘GIULIA’.

Olive oil continues to increase in popularity. Accordingly, there is a continuing need to develop new and improved olive oils to meet the increased demand for use in various food types and in cooking. Many olive varieties are self-sterile. As a result, there is a need for the development of new olive varieties which are self-pollinating and produce a high yield of new and improved olive oil for commercialization.

In order to meet these needs, the present invention is directed to a new Olea variety named ‘GIULIA’. The new Olea variety ‘GIULIA’ is a product of a controlled breeding program conducted by the inventor, Giuseppe Fontanazza, over the last twenty-five (25) years in the different climatic olive growing regions of Garda, Umbria and Molise, Italy. The objective of the breeding program was to develop a new Olea variety which expressed self-pollinating properties and was adapted for high altitude rooting (low temperature tolerance), high density plantations, an early production stage with a medium time of ripening, full mechanical harvesting, high productivity and high oil yield.

The controlled breeding program which led to the discovery and selection of the new Olea variety ‘GIULIA’, was conducted by the inventor, Giuseppe Fontanazza, in Perugia Italy, over the last 25 years and included 2 separate periods. The first, lasting 15 years and ending in 1995, focused on identifying potential, promising Olea progeny to study further; and the second, beginning in 1995, focused on asexually reproducing and trial testing a single, Olea variety selected from the potential, promising Olea progeny. Thus, the new Olea variety ‘GIULIA’ was first discovered and selected by the inventor, Giuseppe Fontanazza in 1995 from the progeny produced by means of mass selection, deriving from the embryos obtained by free-pollination of a large seed population of the Olea europaea L. variety designated ‘MORAIOLO’ (unpatented) growing in a cultivated area in Perugia, Italy. The new Olea variety ‘GIULIA’ was selected by the inventor based on the plant being self-pollinating and adapted high altitude rooting (low temperature tolerance), high density plantations, an early production stage with a medium time of ripening, full mechanical harvesting, high productivity and high oil yield.

Asexual reproduction of the new Olea variety ‘GIULIA’ by self-rooting of a vegetative cutting was first performed in May 1997 in Garda (a lake region of Northern Italy where the climate on the coasts of this lake is mild), and in April 1995 in Umbria and in May 1998 in Molise (two regions of Central Italy). Asexual reproduction of the new Olea variety ‘GIULIA’ has demonstrated that the combination of characteristics as herein disclosed for the new variety are firmly fixed and retained through successive generations of asexual reproduction. The new variety reproduces true to type.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following traits have been repeatedly observed and are determined to be unique characteristics of ‘GIULIA’ which in combination distinguish this olive tree as a new and distinct variety:

-   -   1. moderately weak plant vigor;     -   2. average branch spread;     -   3. greyed-green bark color (RHS 191A);     -   4. dark green foliage color (upper side, RHS 193A; lower side,         RHS 195C);     -   5. yellow-green opened flower color (RHS 150D);     -   6. greyed-green flower bud color (RHS 145C);     -   7. grey-brown seed (endocarp) color (RHS 199D);     -   8. dark violet fruit (RHS 83A);     -   9. self-pollinating variety;     -   10. adaptation for high altitude rooting (low temperature         tolerance) and high density plantations;     -   11. an early production stage with a medium time of ripening;     -   12. full mechanical harvesting; and     -   13. high productivity and high oil yield.

In comparison to the parental variety, ‘MORAIOLO’ (unpatented), ‘GIULIA’ differs primarily in the traits listed in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Parental Cultivar New Variety ‘MORAIOLO’ Trait ‘GIULIA’ (unpatented) Pollinating Type Self pollinating Cross pollinating Productivity Early production and high Medium late productivity productivity and lower productivity Fruit Size Medium size Small size Plantation Adapted for high density Not adapted for high Adaptation plantation density plantation

Of the many commercial varieties known to the present inventor, the most similar in comparison to the new Olea variety ‘GIULIA’ are the Olea varieties ‘FS-17’ (upatented, but registered as FAVOLOSA®, U.S. Registration No. 2,826,893) and ‘DON CARLO’ (patented, U.S. Plant Pat. No. No. 13,077) in the following characteristics described in Table 2:

TABLE 2 Comparison Variety Comparison Variety 2 New Variety 1 ‘FS 17’ ‘DON CARLO’ Trait ‘GIULIA’ (unpatented) (patented) Timing of Medium Early Late Variety Ripening Plantation High Density High Density High Density Adaptation

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying photographs illustrate the overall appearance of the new Olea variety ‘GIULIA’ showing the colors as true as is reasonably possible with colored reproductions of this type. Colors in the photographs may differ slightly from the color values cited in the detailed botanical description, which accurately describe the color of ‘GIULIA’.

FIG. 1 is a photograph of a specimen of the new Olea variety ‘GIULIA’ exhibiting its overall appearance.

FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 are photographs of typical branches of the new Olea variety ‘GIULIA’ bearing fruit.

FIG. 4 is a photograph of a typical branch, the leaves (showing the upper side (two left leaves) and lower side (two right leaves), the fruit, a cross section of the fruit, and the seeds of the new Olea variety ‘GIULIA’.

FIG. 5 is a photograph of the inflorescences of the new Olea variety ‘GIULIA’.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

The new Olea variety ‘GIULIA’ has not been observed under all possible environmental conditions. The phenotype of the new variety may vary with variations in environment such as temperature, light intensity, and day length without any change in the genotype of the olive tree.

The aforementioned photographs, together with the following observations, measurements and values describe trees of ‘GIULIA’ as grown over a period of about ten (10) years in different climatic environments of the olive farms in Garda, Umbria and Molise, Italy, under conditions which closely approximate those generally used in commercial practice. The new Olea variety ‘GIULIA’ grows well under both nursery and field conditions. The new Olea variety ‘GIULIA’ are grown with or without irrigation arranged by 5′×3′ spacing, if rainfall is not less than 550-600 mm per year, with occasional rainfall in late spring and summer. After the third year of growth, the new variety ‘GIULIA’ forms very few sterile branches and the new growth shows reproductive properties. Accordingly, on the basis of the ten (10) year growing trials, the new Olea variety ‘GIULIA’ possesses excellent agronomic, biological and technological characteristics, which makes this new Olea variety of great commercial value.

Unless otherwise stated, the detailed botanical description includes observations, measurements and values based on ten (10) year old ‘GIULIA’ trees grown in olive farms located in Garda, Umbria and Molise, Italy, from 1995 to 2005. Quantified measurements are expressed as an average of measurements taken from a number of trees of ‘GIULIA’. The measurements of any individual tree, or any group of trees, of the new variety may vary from the stated average.

Color references are made to the Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart, original edition, except where general colors of ordinary significance are used. Color values were taken under daylight conditions at approximately 3:00 p.m. in Perugia, Italy.

All of the trees of ‘GIULIA’, insofar as they have been observed, have been identical in all the characteristics described below.

-   Classification:     -   -   Botanical.—Olea europaea. -   Parentage: Olea europaea L. variety designated ‘MORAIOLO’     (unpatented). -   Propagation: Self-rooting of a vegetative cutting. -   Growth conditions:     -   -   Light intensities.—Full sunlight.         -   Temperature.—During day, grown in range of 18° C. to 40° C.,             and during evening, grow in range of −3° C. to 11° C.         -   Fertilization.—A balanced fertilizer with ratio NPK             1:0.3:1.1 (please note that the above values express ratio             and not quantity, since quantity depends on the age of the             plant).         -   Growth regulators.—None used, except in rooting of cuttings             (IBA within range of 2000-3000 ppm).         -   Pruning or trimming requirements.—The size and shape of             olive trees when mature essentially depends upon the kind of             pruning and spacing used. The olive tree of ‘GIULIA’ was             trained along a central leader creating a tree which is             monocono and free palmetto in shape. When the trees are             freely grown, the size and the shape assumed by the plants             are typical of Olea europaea L. species. -   Tree:     -   -   Age.—Observed trees were 10 years old.         -   Vigor.—Moderately weak vigor; early beginning production;             high productivity.         -   Habit and form.—The olive tree of ‘GIULIA’ was trained along             a central leader creating a tree which is monocono and free             palmetto in shape.         -   Crown density.—Medium.         -   Size at maturity.—Height: Between about 3.5 meters and about             4.0 meters. Diameter of Canopy: About 2.6 meters.         -   Attitude.—Spreading.         -   Abnormal leaves.—Absent.         -   Rooting attitude.—High.         -   Compatibility.—Self-compatible.         -   Trunk.—Height (up to leaders): About 2.5 m. Diameter: About             12 cm. Texture: Bark color: Primarily greyed-green, RHS             194B, with yellow-white underbark, closest to RHS 11C. Trunk             Lenticels: None.         -   Branches.—Number per tree: About 6. Branch size: The branch             size (length and diameter) essentially depends upon the age             of the branch observed. Length: The length of a one year old             branch typically ranges from 15 cm to 25 cm. Diameter: The             width of a one year old branch typically ranges from 4 mm to             7 mm. Crotch angle: The crotch angle of a one year old             branch typically ranges from about 45 degrees to about 85             degrees, as measured from the longitudinal axes of the             plant. Surface texture: Smooth. Pubescence: Fine hair or             down generally present; color: greyed-green, RHS 191A.             Color: Mature (after about one year old): Greyed-green, RHS             191B. New Growth: Light green, between RHS 130 C and RHS             13D. Internode length: Short, about 1.2 cm to 1.7 cm.             Internode diameter: About 4 mm to 7 mm. Branch lenticels:             None. -   Leaves:     -   -   Arrangement.—The arrangement of the leaves is typical of             Olea europaea L. species (two opposite leaves per each             node).         -   Lamina.—General dimension/size: Medium. Longitudinal             dimension: From 40 mm to 55 mm. Transversal dimension: From             13 mm to 15 mm. Axis ratio (length/width): Short and large             (about 3.8).         -   Longitudinal axis curvature of the blade.—Flat.         -   Twisting.—Present.         -   Overall shape.—Elliptical-lanceolate.         -   Apex shape.—Rounded with slight swaging and twisting.         -   Base shape.—Rounded with slight swaging and twisting.         -   Margin.—Continuous.         -   Texture.—Upper surface: Glabrous and flat. Lower surface:             Glabrous and flat.         -   Pubescence.—None.         -   Leaf glossiness (both surfaces).—Absent.         -   Color (mature).—Upper side: Dark-green, RHS 193A. Lower             side: Greyed-green, RHS 195A.         -   Color (immature).—Upper side: Light green. Lower side:             Greyed-green.         -   Venation.—Type: Not dense venation from central vein to the             leaf edge, present but not evident, typical of olive             species. Color: Light grey.         -   Petiole.—Length: About 3 m to 5 mm. Diameter: About 1.5 mm.             Color: Greyed green, RHS 195C.         -   Stipule.—None. -   Inflorescence:     -   -   Blooming time.—Late. The typical and observed flowering             period for a culture in the Umbrian region (Central Italy)             ranges from about May 10th to about June 30th.         -   Blooming period.—About 3 to 5 days         -   Ripening time.—Medium. The typical and observed ripening             period for a culture in the Umbrian region (Central Italy)             ranges from about November 10th to about December 10th.         -   Fragrance.—Dry fragrance, not characterizing since it is             typical of olive species.         -   Shape.—Particulate spike-shaped.         -   Structure.—Long and compact.         -   Ramification.—Medium.         -   Axillary flowers.—Present.         -   Number of flowers per inflorescence.—About 16 to 20.         -   Inflorescence size.—Diameter: About 4 mm.         -   Buds.—Shape: Conical. Size: Medium. Length: About 2 mm.             Width: About 1 mm. Color: Apex, Greyed-green, RHS 193B, and             base, Greyed-green, RHS 193B.         -   Petals.—Typical of olive species. Number per flower: Four.             Size: Length: About 3.0 mm to 4.0 mm. Width: About 2.0 mm to             3.0 mm. Color: Yellow-green, RHS 150D. Texture: Upper &             under surfaces: Smooth.         -   Sepals.—Typical of olive species. Number per flower: Four.             Size: Length: About 2.0 mm to 3.0 mm. Width: About 2.0 mm to             3.0 mm. Color: Yellow-green, RHS 141C. Texture: Upper and             under surfaces: Smooth.         -   Pedicel.—Typical of olive species. Length: About 5.0 mm to             6.0 mm. Color: Yellow-green, RHS 150D. Texture: Upper and             under surfaces: Smooth. -   Reproductive organs: Reproductive organs (stamen and pistil), as     well as the rest of the flower (petals and sepals) have the typical     size, number, shape and color as species Olea europaea L. The     percentage of ovary abortion is very low (less than about 5%) and     the percentage of pollen viability is between about 95% and about     98% when the plant is at optimal nutrition. -   Fruit (drupe): In the following description, Position A refers to     the position in which the fruit shows its largest asymmetry.     Position B can be reached from position A by turning 90 degrees     along the longitudinal axes in a way that presents the most     developed part of the fruit to the observer (according to UPOV     rules).     -   -   Maturity when described.—Ripe for eating.         -   Maturity period after full bloom.—About 180 days after full             bloom on November.         -   Drupe detachment resistance.—Medium (251-500 g).         -   Overall shape.—Elliptical.         -   Apical shape.—In Position A: Rounded. In Position B:             Rounded.         -   Base shape.—In Position A: Truncated. In Position B:             Rounded.         -   Symmetry.—In Position A: Slightly asymmetrical. In Position             B: Symmetrical.         -   Dimension.—Medium, depending on the yield of the plant.         -   Average weight.—About 3.5 to 5.0 g.         -   Longitudinal diameter.—About 18 mm to 22.5 mm.         -   Transversal diameter.—About 12.5 mm to 15 mm.         -   Transversal section shape.—Circular.         -   Colour.—Dark violet, RHS 83A.         -   Pigmentation.—Medium.         -   Mucron.—Present.         -   Pistil scar position.—Central.         -   Peduncular cavity.—Shape: Circular. Width: Medium, about             1 mm. Depth: Deep, about 2 mm.         -   Qualitative parameters.—Oleic acid: Higher than 75%.             Polyphenol content: Medium-high.         -   Oil content (fresh matter based).—About 18% to about 21%.         -   Organoleptic characteristics of oil.—High fruity: Intense             with slightly bitter and pungent aftertaste. Typical             characteristic of the oil: Particularly aromatic. -   Stone (endocarp):     -   -   Overall shape.—In Position A: Elliptical. In Position B:             Elliptical.         -   Apex shape.—In Position A: Rounded. In Position B: Rounded.         -   Base shape.—In Position A: Pointed. In Position B: Pointed.         -   Symmetry.—In Position A: Slightly asymmetrical. In Position             B: Asymmetrical.         -   Average weight.—About 0.44 g to 0.47 g.         -   Longitudinal diameter.—About 14.5 mm to 16.5 mm.         -   Transversal diameter.—About 7.0 mm to 7.5 mm.         -   Transversal section shape.—Circular.         -   Maximum transversal section position.—Towards apex.         -   Grooving.—Weak.         -   Groove distribution (at apex).—Regular.         -   Groove distribution (at base).—Regular.         -   Number of grooves at the base.—About 7 to 10.         -   Mucron.—Present.         -   Suture conspicuousness.—Weak.         -   Suture curvature.—Present.         -   Pulp/stone ratio.—About 7.5 to 8.5.         -   Pulp/stone detachment resistance.—Easy. -   Production:     -   -   Production precocity.—Precocious.         -   Productivity.—About 5,000 Kg/hectare to about 12,000             Kg/hectare in intensive plantations having 5′×3′ spacing,             depending on soil fertility and water availability.         -   Production.—Constant. -   Resistance to abiotic factors:     -   -   Cold.—Medium-high. ‘GIULIA’ resists temperatures from as low             as about −5° C. to about −7° C., during the winter when             plants are in vegetative rest time.         -   Water stress.—Medium. -   Resistance to parasites:     -   -   Spilocaea oleagina.—Medium.         -   Pseudomonas syringae sb. savastanoi.—Medium. 

1. A new and distinct Olea europaea L. olive tree variety named ‘GIULIA’, as illustrated and described herein. 